❄️ Tromsø: wellness weekend for 48–72 hours — spa, northern lights and whales

Tromsø is the gateway to the Arctic and the perfect setting for hot-and-cold rituals. In winter, people hunt for the Northern Lights, whales visit the fjords in late autumn, and in summer, the midnight sun shines over the city, creating a meditative ‘daytime’ twilight without darkness. We have put together a ready-made itinerary for 48–72 hours: where to warm up (spa hotels and floating saunas), when to plan night slots, what to take with you and how to get around without a car. Between sessions, there are short cultural breaks: Polaria, the Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral with its silence and concerts. The chances of seeing the northern lights are from late August to early April; whale watching is best from November to January; and the midnight sun can be seen from mid-May to the end of July.

🗓 When to go and what to expect

Winter / spring / summer / autumn — features and highlights

• Winter (December–March): dark skies for the northern lights, silence in the saunas, ice swimming; short days mean more reasons to stay warm.
• Spring (April–May): more light, but the northern lights are fading; a good time for a quiet retreat.
• Summer (May–July): midnight sun — light all night long; ideal for late spa slots and terraces by the water.
• Autumn (October–November): start of the northern lights and whale watching in the northern fjords; changeable weather — plan flexibly.

Whale season and chances of seeing the northern lights — general guidelines

Whales (killer whales, humpbacks, sometimes striped whales) follow the herring to the fjords north of Tromsø — usually from November to January; there are no guarantees, but the chances are highest during these months.

The Northern Lights can be seen in the region from late August to early April, peaking in the evening hours when the sky is clear and there is little light pollution. For the midnight sun in Tromsø, aim for a window from around 20 May to 22–25 July.

🐋 Day 1 — arrival and first warmth

City walk + evening spa

Check-in → short walk along the waterfront → Polaria (aquarium and Arctic information centre; ideal for 60–90 minutes) → evening slot at the spa/sauna by the water. For ‘white nights’ and winter evenings, PUST Tromsø is ideal: shared and private rooms, towel rental, open daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. all year round — convenient for any schedule.

Light dinner, early bed / night slot

If you have the energy, check out the Arctic Cathedral (Ishavskatedralen): in summer, there are often night concerts under the midnight sun; in winter, chamber music programmes in silence. Alternatively, just listen to the ‘white night’ on the spa terrace and save your energy for hunting the northern lights the next day. Check the schedule the day before.

🌄 Day 2 — activity + spa

Day trip (seasonal) + floating sauna

In winter — aurora safari (in the evening) or a day trip to the fjords; in late autumn — whale cruises (better to take the morning ones, as the wind is calmer); In summer — climb Fjellheisen for a panoramic view of Storset, open daily approximately 09:00–24:00, runs every half hour (weather delays possible). In the evening — floating sauna (shared or private slot) and tea on the pier.

Photo window and hot tea

The best shot is steam above the water and the ‘golden’ edge of the sky. Shoot without flash, keep your phone in a case/on a strap, and place your tripod away from the stairways. A thermos mug with herbal tea will help you warm up, as will a short break in the ‘quiet zone’ between cycles.

🏔 Day 3 (optional) — nature and silence

Short hike/walk by the water

If you are staying for the third day, go for a morning hike (easy trail by the water) or climb the Fjellheisen via the ‘sherpa steps’ (in the warm season) and have a ‘quiet picnic’. The weather changes quickly, so bring a windbreaker and fleece.

🛁 Final session: contrast and relaxation

End the weekend with a gentle cycle: a short steam room → cool down → relaxation room or a warm bowl with a view. If you were unlucky with the weather the day before, this is your chance to repeat the spa plan without rushing.

💰 Budgets and booking

Day pass vs packages — where to save

A day pass to a city/view spa and a general slot in a floating sauna is a budget option. Packages (couples massage + dinner) are significantly more expensive but add a touch of romance.

Check what is included: towels/bathrobes, ‘quiet hours,’ family windows, the option of partial payment with a gift card (gavekort). For PUST, the price varies depending on the time of day, and there are discounts for children/students.

Transfer and logistics without a car

The Airport Express (Best Arctic) runs from the airport to the city centre, with buses stopping at the main hotels; local transport is convenient for getting around the city (current timetables are available on Svipper/Troms fylke). There is a shuttle bus to Fjellheisen; the cable car may be closed in bad weather, so check the website.

🦺Safety and clothing

Layers, hat, non-slip shoes

Even in summer, it is windy by the water: warm fleece/down jacket, hat/headband, non-slip flip-flops and two towels (one for ‘landing’). Keep your phone in a waterproof case and on a strap.

Cold swimming — who should refrain

Contrast — only short dips and not alone. Hold on to the handrails, do not dive in head first on your first try, wrap up immediately and drink warm tea. If you have high blood pressure, cardiovascular problems or are pregnant, choose a warm area without extremes. Useful principles: ‘badevetreglene’ and recommendations for ice bathing (hat/gloves, gradual immersion, listen to your body).

🏛 Cultural spots

Polar Museum / Polaria — ‘for an hour’

Polaria is an Arctic centre with exhibitions on marine life and northern ecosystems; convenient for 60–90 minutes before an evening spa. Polar Museum — the history of polar expeditions, hunting and everyday life; compact rooms, city centre.

Arctic Cathedral — light and acoustics

The white walls and glass of the Arctic Cathedral create that special ‘silence effect’. In summer, look for Midnight Concerts; in winter, chamber music programmes. Combines well with a trip on the cable car (the station is a few minutes' walk across the bridge).

Tromsø offers a rare combination: Arctic light and warm water. Spend 2-3 days like a builder: one evening at the spa, another hunting for the Northern Lights or on a boat trip to see whales, and during the day visit Polaria/Polar Museum and the Arctic Cathedral. Add warm layers and flexibility to the weather — that's how people travel here.

Tell us in the comments what became your ‘main source of warmth’ in Tromsø, and ask any questions — we'll help you tailor your itinerary to the season.